Lymphoma
Integrative Treatment Options for All Stages of Lymphoma
Lymphoma Natural Treatment Center
Lymphoma is a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. There are over 70 different types, although they’re grouped into two main subtypes: non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin.
Because the lymphatic system — part of the body’s germ-fighting network — is affected, this type of cancer can make patients more susceptible to infections. As such, it’s essential to support well-being on every level to help the body heal.
It’s also important to know how to recognize the signs of this disease and to understand what treatment options are available, including non-toxic, holistic therapies that won’t damage healthy cells.
What Is Lymphoma?
Lymphomas form in white blood cells — either the B lymphocytes (B cells) or the T lymphocytes (T cells) — because of DNA damage. When some lymphocytes become cancerous, they divide rapidly and crowd out healthy white blood cells. These cancerous cells can develop into tumors, either gradually if it’s a slow-growing lymphoma or rapidly if it’s an aggressive form of this disease.
What Are the Different Types of Lymphoma?
There are dozens of lymphomas, and each one has a unique disease profile in terms of how quickly the cancer is likely to progress, survival rates, and what the best treatment options are. That’s why working with an oncology team with experience treating patients with lymphoma is critical.
Of the two main subtypes — non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma — non-Hodgkin is far more common. In the US alone, it’s estimated that there will be over 80,000 new cases in 2022, making it the seventh most common type of cancer.
Estimated new cases for Hodgkin lymphoma are about one-tenth of new cases for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. There are around 8,000 cases each year, which accounts for 0.4% of new cancer cases annually.
What’s the Difference Between Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
The main difference between these two subsets of lymphoma is the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells — these are abnormal cells that may have more than one nucleus. They’re much larger than healthy lymphocytes and Hodgkin cells.
When diagnosing the disease, a pathologist will look at the cancer cells under a microscope to determine if there are any Reed-Sternberg cells. If there is, it’s Hodgkin lymphoma.
No one knows what causes Hodgkin lymphoma, although there is a link between the Epstein-Barr virus and the disease. Some researchers believe the virus might disturb the normal cell cycle, leading to abnormal growth.
What’s unique about Hodgkin lymphoma is that it usually follows a predictable path, starting in the neck, chest, or underarm area lymph nodes and then traveling to other lymph nodes.
Like Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma can start in the chest, neck, and underarm areas, although it can also develop in other areas of the body, such as the groin. It’s not as predictable as Hodgkin lymphoma and is more likely to be diagnosed in its later stages.
What Are the Symptoms of Lymphoma?
The most noticeable symptom of lymphoma is swelling of the lymph nodes. There might be a lump in the chest, armpits, neck, or groin — and it’s generally not painful.
Other lymphoma symptoms to be aware of are:
- Extreme fatigue with no explainable cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats that leave you feeling drenched when you wake up
- Itchy skin with no visible rash
What Are the Risk Factors for Lymphoma?
The following factors are associated with a higher risk of developing lymphoma:
- Gender: Males are more likely to develop lymphoma.
- Certain infections: Both the Epstein-Barr virus and Helicobacter pylori infections are linked with higher lymphoma risk.
- Immunodeficiency: People with immunodeficiency or a weakened immune system due to taking immunosuppressant drugs are slightly more likely to develop lymphoma.
Can Lymphoma Be Treated Naturally?
Conventional medicine offers several treatment options for lymphoma, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted immunotherapy drugs, and bone marrow transplantation. However, all of these options come with side effects and, aside from a transplant, can have a toxic effect on the body.
This is why many lymphoma patients turn to a holistic approach. In a holistic cancer treatment plan, a doctor will combine therapies that target cancer with those that are meant to heal the body. These treatments can be integrated with traditional therapies or make up a purely non-toxic lymphoma treatment plan.
Some of the most effective natural and alternative therapies for lymphoma are:
- Low-Dose Metronomic Chemotherapy (Low-Dose Metronomic Chemotherapy): Also known as low-dose chemotherapy, Low-Dose Metronomic Chemotherapy involves using insulin to increase chemotherapy's efficacy. The benefit of Low-Dose Metronomic Chemotherapy is that a patient can still experience the anti-cancer benefits of chemo, but they only need a fraction of a dose to get those benefits.
- Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia relies on heat to promote healing. The patient sits in a sauna, which raises the body temperature and may help to shrink tumors by damaging structures within the cancer cells.
- IV Therapy: During an IV therapy session, a licensed physician or registered nurse administers the appropriate dose of an antioxidant, vitamin, or other phytonutrients that is known to support overall wellness, provide anti-cancer benefits, or both. IV therapies that include quercetin, curcumin, and vitamin C may all be used as part of an integrative medical plan for treating lymphoma.
As holistic medicine looks at all the ways non-toxic therapies can support healing on every level — physical, mental, and emotional — there are plenty of other safe and evidence-based options that a holistic physician might recommend when creating a treatment plan for cancer. To learn more about holistic treatments, contact the caring team at Brio-Medical!
References:
[1] Moffitt Cancer Center authors. “Hodgkin & Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas.” Moffitt Cancer Center, https://moffitt.org/cancers/lymphomas-hodgkin-and-non-hodgkin/. Accessed September 17, 2022.
[2] NIH authors. “Cancer Stat Facts: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.” NIH, National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/nhl.html. Accessed September 17, 2022.
[3] NIH authors. “Cancer Stat Facts: Hodgkin Lymphoma.” NIH, National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/hodg.html. Accessed September 17, 2022.
[4] Vockerodt, Martina et al. “Epstein-Barr virus and the origin of Hodgkin lymphoma.” Chinese Journal of cancer vol. 33,12 (2014): 591-7. doi:10.5732/cjc.014.10193
